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City of San Marcos Profile San Marcos operates under a council- manager form of government as provided by its Charter. The Mayor and six City Council members are elected "at large" on a non - partisan ballot. All members of the City Council, except the Mayor, are elected to staggered three -year terms. The Mayor is elected for a two -year term. The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Municipal Court Judge. The City Council also appoints members to certain boards, committees and commissions, as it deems necessary for the operation of the City. The City Manager is the chief administrator and executive officer for the City and has full responsibility for carrying out Council policies and administering City operations, including hiring department Directors and all other City employees. City service departments provide a full range of services including police and fire protection, health and social services, sanitation services, construction and maintenance of highways, streets and infrastructure, planning and zoning, recreational activities and cultural events, and general administrative services. The City also provides electric, water, wastewater, airport, drainage and waste collection services; therefore, these activities are included in the reporting entity. Local Economy The City of San Marcos has benefited from the recent national and state economic resurgences, especially pertaining to growth in retail sales, tourism, and construction activities. The City also continues to benefit from other favorable conditions associated with San Marcos, including a stable, diversified economic base and a desirable location for work, destination, and living. Current low mortgage interest rates and the attractive developments within San Marcos continue to bring in residential growth and commercial development. Commercial successes can be expected to continue because of the City's commitment to targeted economic development efforts that focus on industry segments that complement the existing business mix. The following categories represent key factors affecting San Marcos' economic and financial success RP_tgiI ggIAS The City's largest General Fund revenue source is sales tax generated from a well - balanced variety of business categories including automotive, construction, food stores, hotels /motels, department stores, retail stores, restaurants, utilities and rentals. The City has seen a significant growth in sales tax revenues over the last three fiscal years. Fiscal year 2006/07 ended with a .23 percent increase over the prior year's revenue, following a 5.6 percent increase last year — positive indication that economic recovery is sustained. The City is perhaps best known for its Outlet Malls — Prime and Tanger — which have made San Marcos the 3rd most popular tourist destination in Texas. Factors contributing to a brighter economic outlook for retailers included rising consumer confidence, continued low interest rates, a booming housing market, increased factory orders and productivity, and the return of worker pay raises and bonuses. Employment San Marcos enjoys a relatively low unemployment rate as compared to the state and national economy. This means that San Marcos residents have greater job opportunities locally. The Hays County unemployment rate was approximately 3.7 percent in September 2007, as compared to the state unemployment rate of 4.3 percent and the national unemployment rate of 4.6 percent. Tniiri .qm Tourism is one of San Marcos' largest industries and is a significant contributor to the City's economy. Numerous tourist attractions, along with many hotels and motels, provide over 1,250 guest rooms, along with many nearby public and private golf courses. The number of rooms will increase in 2008 with the addition of San Marcos' first full - service hotel opening October 2008. In addition, San Marcos iv